I recently got to ask Donny, the mastermind behind www.litterboxcats.com, a few questions about himself and his Panther fanaticism.

There are some mysteries in life that we as the human race may never understand: the origins of Stonehenge, the existence of Bigfoot, why do I find Steven Wright funny, and did Zeus really give Tom Selleck his mustache? But perhaps the biggest mystery of all is: do Panther fans actually attend hockey games??? For the first time in recorded history I am here with undeniable proof that there is a thriving fan base in South Florida and we do go to game contrary to the popular belief of many (that means you Canadiens fans).

There are some mysteries in life that we as the human race may never understand: the origins of Stonehenge, the existence of Bigfoot, why do I find Steven Wright funny, and did Zeus really give Tom Selleck his mustache? But perhaps the biggest mystery of all is: do Panther fans actually attend hockey games??? For the first time in recorded history I am here with undeniable proof that there is a thriving fan base in South Florida and we do go to game contrary to the popular belief of many (that means you Canadiens fans).

There are some mysteries in life that we as the human race may never understand: the origins of Stonehenge, the existence of Bigfoot, why do I find Steven Wright funny, and did Zeus really give Tom Selleck his mustache? But perhaps the biggest mystery of all is: do Panther fans actually attend hockey games??? For the first time in recorded history I am here with undeniable proof that there is a thriving fan base in South Florida and we do go to game contrary to the popular belief of many (that means you Canadiens fans).

MEET A PANTHER FAN:

1. Full name? Online I've been “Whale4ever” for about 12 years. Just recently I decided to retire “Whale” and go with my given name. In days of old, the “Whale” moniker garnered attention (most likely) for shock value, but when referenced alongside the Panthers, it didn't really promote either of us very effectively; so Donny I am.

2. When did you become a hockey fan? If it wasn't the Panthers that got you into hockey, when did you start following Florida? I grew up as a New England/Hartford Whalers fan, stretching back to around 1978. I followed the Whale but didn't get insane about them until the Hartford Civic Center roof collapse of that same period; all of a sudden names such as Keon, McKenzie, and Howe became a Big Deal on my cul-de-sac. Every kid miraculously had a hockey stick in their hands in Avon, Connecticut at the time.

Due to situations beyond my control, I spent half-years in South Florida and Connecticut for the better part of a decade. I became a Panthers fan before they announced the nickname in mid-1993. In fact, I was at the Lightning – Rangers game (Steven King tore it up) at Miami Arena in late 1992 when just afterward it was announced Wayne Huizenga and the Walt Disney Company had “won” expansion franchises.

3. Favorite NHL player? If its not a Panther then who's your favorite Panther? Current or All-time and why? Favorite all-time? Gordie Howe; needs no follow-up beyond his title as Mr. Hockey. Favorite Panther? Nathan Horton.

4. Tell me a little bit about www.litterboxcats.com: inception, how you came up with the name, most interesting article you've done, what you like the most about the site. The name was originally “The Litter Box” in a former incarnation, which I always felt was far stronger than “Litter Box Cats”, but that was out of my control, and for good reasons, once the site was expanded to SB Nation. As I see it, “Litter Box Cats” refers to all of those partaking in the discussion, so it makes perfect sense.

Most interesting article? Probably everything done around last year's trade deadline regarding Jay Bouwmeester. A lot of fun – and phenomenally stressful - but ridiculously time-consuming. Rumors were flying. At around 4 pm the entire hockey community was waiting on confirmation of his being traded, and the Jacques Martin's Cats weren't talking.

5. Favorite hockey game you've ever attended; Panther or non Panther game. Whalers – Bruins, game six, 1990 semi-finals. Kevin Dineen scores the winner – in Hartford – in OT. A beautiful thing, and a game for the ages.

6. One hour meeting with Randy Sexton, Michael Yormark. What do you say to them? Recommendations, opinions. I could speak all week long on opinions/suggestions with Randy Sexton, but ultimately this club is his to run as he sees fit, given permission of ownership. Yormark technically doesn't speak for the hockey side. If I had a moment with either? I'd say keep the Siegel/Viner guys roaming the BAC halls, pick up one legitimate/consistent 30-goal scorer who doesn't break the bank, and go full force at a franchise player-type. The fanbase is screaming for a “name”, and the club can afford it…if the dood wants to be here.

7. What do you like & dislike the most about this franchise?? Love the building, the local sponsorship of the club, and the staff. These are professionals who all want nothing less than a Stanley Cup to be delivered their way in Sunrise, Florida. The downside? Management and previous ownership has never made a serious committment to win. Pavel Bure was fun, but never meant to be that “final piece” in the puzzle. Nonetheless, I like where the Cats are going, talentwise. McArdle, Matthias, Ellerby…they'll all make it at some point. It's the younglings who intrigue me: Robak, Shore, and the rest.

8. Anything you want to add?? I'd really like to see the Panthers simply destroy Washington. Give it time.

For more info on Litter Box Cats check out these sites:

Site: http://litterboxcats.com/

Email: pantherslitterbox@yahoo.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/litterboxcats

Facebook: www.facebook.com/litterboxcats

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Written by Jack Powell
My name is Jack Powell. I'm 26 and work for a civil contracting company in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. I've been a Panther fan since the team was formed in 1993 and don't ever plan on not being one. Looking forward to see what new Panther GM Dale Tallon is going to do to rebuild this franchise and make us a Cup contender!!